The Sports Business Journal is reporting that BMO has re-upped its sponsorship of Toronto FC through the 2015 season. BMO will remain on the front of the TFC jersey. The deal is worth a reported $4 million per year, a dramatic increase over the previous $1 million to $1.5 million. The deal also puts TFC with the Galaxy at the top of the sponsorship pyramid. Right now, nine franchises (plus Red Bull) have jersey sponsors with deals ranging from $1 million to the Galaxy’s $4-5 million.

This is good news for MLS. BMO represents the second renewal for the league (after RSL). The bank is making a significant statement about their belief in the future of Major League soccer. However, with a number of teams still waiting for sponsors and a number of renewals are coming due. The next year will be an important indicator of the league’s attractiveness to potential sponsors. In the article, SBJ also reports that Canadian broadcasts are averaging 50-100k viewers per game.

In Portland, the Timbers are reporting that ticket sales and corporate investment are ahead of schedule. Merritt Paulson is reporting that more than 7,000 season ticket deposits have been put down. He also also indicated that the franchise will likely cap season ticket sales at around 12k.